Thursday, 14 May 2020
Vaginal odor (know as leucorrhoea) is an embarrassing topic to discuss. However, it should not be ignored as the bad odor is usually a symptom of something more serious. A fishy and foul vaginal odor is typically caused by a yeast or bacterial infection which if left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility. Symptoms such as vulvar itching, burning, irritation and vaginal discharge may accompany the foul smell. The causes of vaginal odor can be poor hygiene, hormonal imbalance, excessive douching, STD, certain contraceptives, antibacterial soaps, or just wearing tight clothes. Your day-to-day activities and eating habits can also aggravate the problem. But don’t worry. If you want to know how to get rid of vaginal odor fast, then you are at the right place. Our home remedies for vaginal odor will treat the smell but also the infection.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Odor
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that fight off vaginal odour and infection. It is an excellent home remedy to get rid of vaginal odor. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 to 3 cups of ACV in it. Soak it in this water for 20 to 30 minutes. You can do this twice or thrice a week. It can also be used with a tampon.
2. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric is one of the natural ingredients, which can help you get rid of the bacterial infection. As a home remedy for vaginal odor, it has been used for decades.
Add half a teaspoon of turmeric in warm milk. Drink it on a daily basis to prevent vaginal problems.
3. Garlic
Garlic is packed with antibiotic and antifungal properties that ward off a yeast infection. Consume raw garlic cloves with warm water on an empty stomach.
- Or else, make its paste and apply it on the vaginal area. Leave for about 10 minutes and wash with cool water.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds can cure various health problems including vaginal odour and infection. You can boil one teaspoon of seeds in water. Strain and drink this solution.
- Alternatively, soak these seeds in water overnight. Strain it in the morning and drink it on an empty stomach.
5. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It is a natural remedy to get rid of vaginal odor and vaginal discharge that leads to foul smell. Include it in your daily diet. It can be eaten raw or in juice form.
6. Cranberry
Cranberry juice flushes out the toxins from the body and keeps vaginal odour at bay. Its juice counters bacteria in the urinary tract system. Drink a glass of it every day to get satisfactory results.
Note: Have undiluted and sugar-free cranberry juice.
7. Alum
Alum has antiseptic and astringent properties. Apart from being used as a water purifier, it is highly efficient in controlling vaginal odour. Soak an alum stick in water and rub it on the vaginal area for 1 or 2 times a day. Do it gently.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of alum powder in water and wash the vagina with it.
8. Boric Acid
Increased alkalinity in your private parts can lead to bacterial growth. By treating the PH levels of your vagina, you can get rid of vaginal odor.
Boric acid is mildly acidic and antiseptic in nature that balances the pH level of your vagina. Take some gelatine capsules and fill them with boric acid. Insert one capsule inside your vagina at bedtime. Doing this once or twice a week helps prevent the infection.
Note:
- Never use these capsules during pregnancy.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Never swallow these capsules.
9. Baking Soda
One of the main reasons of vaginal odour is imbalanced pH level in the body. Baking soda is alkaline in nature and helps balance the pH level. Thus, keeps vaginal odour at bay. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it. Or else, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda in the water before taking a bath and soak in it to prevent vaginal odour.
10. Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C flushes out toxins from the body and boosts your immune system. Thus, allows your body to defend against harmful bacteria. Include fruits such as oranges, lemons, guava and pineapples in your diet as they are rich in vitamin C.
11. White Vinegar
White vinegar balances the pH level which is the main cause of bacterial overgrowth an infection. The vinegar will also kill the bacteria that produce the fishy smell. Its a great home remedy to get rid of vaginal odour. Add half a cup of white vinegar in your bathtub filled with warm water. Now, soak in it to get some relief.
12. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in lactobacillus content that helps prevent vaginal infection and odour. It maintains the pH level and fights off the yeast infection because of the presence of probiotics in it. Eat a bowl of yogurt every day to improve this situation.
- Or else, soak a cotton pad in yogurt and rub it gently over the vagina. Wash with cold water and pat dry.
Herbal Remedies to get rid of Vaginal Odor
13. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is naturally antiseptic and antifungal. It eliminates bacteria and yeast that contributes to unpleasant vaginal odour. Add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water and rinse the affected area with this solution every day. You can also use a tampon for this. Soak it in the solution, put the tampon inside your vagina and leave it for about 5 minutes. Do this an hour before you take a bath. Pouring 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil in the bathtub is also a good option.
14. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti provocative, antibacterial, antioxidant properties that neutralize the bacterial foul smell in the vagina. Add 8 to 10 guava leaves in water and boil till the water reduces to half. Once it cools down, rinse vagina with this water at least twice a day.
15. Indian Lilac Leaves
Being antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral in nature, Indian lilac, helps inhibit the bacterial activity that leads to vaginal odor. If you want to use Indian lila leaves to get rid of vaginal odor, then boil some leaves in water for a couple of minutes. Strain the decoction and rinse vagina with it to prevent that fishy odour.
Do’s
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Keep changing tampons and pads frequently.
- Never forget to wipe front to back after bowel movements.
- Wash the genitals with warm water and mild soap daily.
- Wash your private parts after intercourse.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear cotton inner garments.
Don’ts
- Never wear tight underclothes.
- Avoid unprotected sex.
- Avoid taking bath with very hot water.
- Don’t use scented soaps to clean private parts.
- Big No to scented sanitary pads.
- Say no to caffeinated drinks, starchy, spicy, and excessive sugary foods.